Waterfall
During the Systemic English week of the Aldini-Valeriani Open Schools project we explored the territory and integrated its resources with an existential reflection on the elements of which our nature is made. Water was the theme of this activity.
Starting with the visit to the Museum of Industrial Heritage, reached on foot from our school , we observed how our city has prospered thanks to the way in which the ancient inhabitants of Bologna channeled water by harnessing its energy in a hydraulic system (HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ) to power their mills (MILLS) which mainly produced fabric (CLOTH) thanks to the exploitation of silkworms (SILKWORMS). Thinking of all the worms sacrificed for our benefit, the butterfly shelter we created and the butterflies we released (RELEASED) are a sort of small act of compensation (COMPENSATION), a symbolic gesture in support (SUPPORT) of the life of those who are more fragile than us.
The museum guide explained to us that the canalization system was very complex and was also used to transport goods (TO CARRY GOODS) with barges (BARGES) thanks to a system of locks (LOCKS) whose mechanism we have observed.
Immediately outside the museum is the Vincian lock, so called because it was built (BUILT) on a model originally designed by (DRAWN) Leonardo da Vinci.
Following the path along the Navile (RIVER PATH) that connects the Industrial Heritage Museum to the Villa Angeletti Park, we reflect on the nature of the river and the meaning of Thick Nhat Hahn 's phrase Go as a river . With a methodology inspired by the Philosophy for Children , students question and dialogue on the meaning of the Buddhist monk's sentence.
As we walk we observe (OBSERVE) the water flowing (FLOW) and we discuss the reasons that make it indispensable. We also observe the surrounding river environment, a precious resource (PRECIOUS RESOURCE) also for other living beings. In the center of the photo a turtle and high up among the stones a bird that we have not yet been able to identify.
These life forms are an example of resilience (RELISIENCE), given that the long Navile was recently defaced (MARRED) by the cut, much discussed by citizens who have heart the environment, of much of its riparian vegetation (RIPARIAN VEGETATION), which gave them shelter (SHELTER).
We leave the path along the river and arrive at Villa Angeletti, choose a cozy place (COZY PLACE) in the shade of the trees in the park and have a snack (HAVE A SNACK) offered by the bar of the Aldini-Valeriani Institute. After this little break, we start again with the Aria (Air) business .